Rondo: Sullinger 'smartest rookie we've had'

WALTHAM -- Often hesitant to heap praise on a Celtics rookie, both Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett went out of their way to compliment Jared Sullinger after their first practice since returning from Italy.

"He's probably the smartest rookie we've had since I've been here," said Rondo. "He's very intelligent -- high basketball IQ -- and he's very unselfish. He doesn't need a play called for him. He's just been getting his points off the little dirty work."

For those wondering, Rondo excluded himself from that "smartest rookie" conversation. "I think I'm the smartest player ever," he joked. "That's my problem."

This came on the heels of Celtics coach Doc Rivers explaining how he might start Sullinger, Brandon Bass or Darko Milicic, depending on the given matchup. After amassing 16 points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench in the C's 97-91 loss to Istanbul Fenerbahce in their preseason opener, Sullinger started against EA Milano and registered another nine points and seven boards in 18 minutes.

"Sully is a very intelligent player," added Garnett. "Very, very high basketball IQ."

Flannery joins Mut to break down the Isaiah Thomas trade to Boston and what it means for the Celtics this season and in the future. Paul also chats with Mut about the other deals that happened at the NBA's trading deadline

In the second of Sunday Skate, DJ and Joe discuss the approaching NHL trade deadline and what the B's will do. They get into the Boychuk move at the beginning of the season and Boychuk's brother venting on Twitter this morning about complaining B's fans. There is more discussion on the 3rd and 4th lines, their playoff chances and then they are joined by ESPN's Scott Burnside.

Another edition of Sunday Skate is upon us and DJ and Joe get into the B's big win over Arizona last night and the improvement of Ryan Spooner. They get into the Blackhawks giving up a 1st round pick for C Antoine Vermette - someone the B's could certainly use but weren't willing to give up the steep price of a 1st rounder. DJ and Joe also get into Claude's willingness to switch up lines as well as the performance of the 3rd and 4th lines. Finally, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman sits down with the boys.

With free agency looming, Adam Schefter, on Sportscenter, said that he thinks Darrelle Revis will NOT be re-signed by the Patriots and that they will cut him instead, making him the most coveted free agent on the market.